Lot 253: 1962 Jaguar MK II

The 2.4 saloon of 1955 had been a major step for Jaguar, marking as it did the change from a coachbuilt chassis to one of unitary construction; it was a necessary move, however, Jaguar being aware there was a strong market for a more compact saloon than the big Mk IX. Powered by a 2,482cc version of the superb twin cam straight six XK engine first seen in the XK120 (which had already achieved four Le Mans victories), the 2.4 offered luxury, performance and value for money. Using coil spring/wishbone front and semi-elliptic spring rear suspension, it possessed fine road manners and proved a great success, both on and off the track, particularly when the Mk I, as it subsequently became known, became available with the 3.4 litre engine in February 1957. It was in October 1959 that the Mk II version appeared, making a good car even better. Similar in appearance but with a much larger glass area, it boasted a wider rear track to improve roadholding together with minor front suspension changes to reduce body roll and all round disc rather than drum brakes. Engine options included the 120bhp 2.4 litre, the 210bhp 3.4 litre and, for the first time the 220bhp 3,781cc unit of the Mk IX. Naturally performance was excellent, respective figures for maximum speed and 0-60mph being 101mph/13.1 seconds, 121mph/9.5 seconds and 125/8.5 seconds. Originally delivered to South Africa, this 3.8 litre Mk II was equipped from new with a louvred bonnet, 9.1:1 compression ratio and a manually operated choke mechanism - performance modifications normally associated with cars prepared by legendary Jaguar dealer and race preparer John Coombs, suggesting that this car could well have been prepared by his Guildford-based concern. Having been returned to Great Britain in 1990 in very good original and rust-free condition, it was acquired by the vendor through Coys four years later, since when it has covered only some 1,500 miles. Offered in good condition, this most desirable of Mk II models - the more so given that its original specification includes a manual gearbox with overdrive and chrome wire wheels - is finished in Old English White with black leather interior and is supplied with a MoT test certificate valid for 12 months.